So far I have gleaned that swapping out for brifters is going to be ... difficult:
1. To keep accurate indexed shifting, this would involve swapping out the front derailleur for a road derailleur.
2. That would in turn involve rewiring the front derailleur, since my current one is top-pulling and there are virtually no top-pulling road derailleurs
3. I would also need new brakes, since my current brakes are v-brakes.
4. A workaround is to get a Grevenalle setup, through this would not quite be a true brifter setup.

I'm considering adding a drop bar but keeping the shifters and brakes the same, meaning they would remain on the flat part of the bar. I find myself wanting to be able to lean forward and have my hands lower while riding on long flats, whereas when climbing I like to be more upright.